Plans put forward for 5G masts in Stafford and Gnosall
New phone masts to provide 5G coverage are in the pipeline for a Stafford bus stop and just metres from a village pub.
The 19-metre tall masts are needed to ensure 2G, 3G and 4G coverage can continue to be provided to the Weeping Cross, Wildwood, Gnosall and Woodseaves areas, a telecommunications company has said, as well as ensuring that new 5G services will be available.
Planning applications have been submitted to Stafford Borough Council seeking permission for the new masts to be installed at the Cannock Road bus stop near Wildwood Drive and land opposite the Royal Oak at Newport Road in Gnosall.
Letters sent by Clarke Telecom, acting on behalf of mobile telecommunications operator MBNL, to borough councillors in the areas said; “As part of MBNL’s continued network improvement program, there is a specific requirement for a new mast to ensure that the latest high quality 2G, 3G and 4G service provision continues to be provided in the area.
“The proposed new column will also ensure that new 5G coverage can also be provided at this location. This ensures that coverage and capacity requirements are maintained.
“The proposed new mast has been sited and designed in order to provide 5G coverage and to support the existing mobile network. At present it is paramount that digital connectivity is supported and maintained throughout the country.
“In particular the current massive shift in user demand from city centres and places of work to residential areas and suburbs requires an improvement in coverage and capacity throughout the whole network. The current proposal therefore provides such additional capacity to the network whilst still promoting the improved 5G technology.
“The new column is located where there is an existing established radio base station. There are no other more suitable locations within the immediate area for the operator to locate their equipment. As such this is sequentially the most preferable site for the operator to install the new column and associated equipment cabin.”
But the applications have already sparked concerns.
A Gnosall resident who has objected to the plans for the site opposite the Royal Oak said: “I’m concerned about RF waves being a health risk to my family and neighbours.”
